Boracay and Cebu rank among Asia’s best beach destinations

Summer might have ended in the Philippines, but beach trips remain a year-round option, thanks to the country’s vast coastline.

While Filipinos are familiar with the best beach spots, Boracay and Cebu have been highlighted by Agoda, securing 9th and 10th places among Asia’s top beach destinations.

This list, released ahead of International Beach Day on Sept. 1, is based on accommodation searches made on the platform for September and October.

Leading the list is Indonesia’s Bali, which saw an 11 percent increase in related accommodation searches compared to the same period last year. Other notable beach destinations include Okinawa in Japan and Da Nang in Vietnam, which ranked second and third, respectively.

The Philippines joins Thailand and Vietnam in having two destinations each in the top ten. Thailand’s entries include Pattaya and Phuket, known for their lively beach scenes and vibrant nightlife. Vietnam’s Nha Trang also made the list, celebrated for its beautiful beaches and bustling coastal atmosphere.

Jeju, South Korea, and Penang, Malaysia, secured the sixth and seventh places, respectively.

Agoda’s data highlights the diverse preferences of travelers, showing that Asia’s beach destinations cater to a wide range of tastes, whether one seeks a tranquil escape or an active adventure. The conclusion of the monsoon season in many parts of Asia marks a time when travelers look forward to sunny beach holidays, keeping demand for these coastal getaways strong.

Andrew Smith, senior vice president of supply at Agoda, noted the significance of International Beach Day as an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Asia’s beaches, which continue to attract visitors from around the world. 

“Asia boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches, and International Beach Day is the perfect time to celebrate these coastal treasures,” Smith said in a statement adding that with a vast selection of properties, flight routes, and activities available on Agoda’s platform, planning a beach vacation has become increasingly accessible.